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I frequently teach (and write about!) how to have daily time with God, and although the method is easy, it’s always been a puzzle why more believers don’t take up the habit. I’ve tried various means to motivate people but without widespread success. I even came up with a list of reasons that people might not develop this most important discipline:
- We don’t start small enough: God would rather we spend 15 minutes than NOT spend one hour. As we get into the habit, the time might grow.
- We don’t see far enough: growth and love for the Word occur over time. (Please see Mark 4.26 – 28)
- We don’t want to: we won’t want to do something until we’ve first done it when we didn’t want to! (Please see Hebrews 12.11)
- We just don’t!
Now I’ve learned a possible rationale for the last one, and it’s disturbing. It’s from my new favorite book The Biggest Lie in the History of Christianity by Matthew Kelly (where the Holy Moments concept I wrote about recently came from). After discussing the typical reasons why people might not read their Bibles, he writes:
But in a deeply subconscious way, the main explanation for why we don’t read the Bible more is diabolically profound: We know and believe that the Word of God has the power to transform our lives. That’s right. You didn’t misread. It’s not that we don’t believe; it’s that we do believe. We know the Word of God has the power to transform our lives, and the uncomfortable, unspoken, and often-avoided truth is that we don’t want our lives transformed. (Chapter 14)
And neither I nor Matthew Kelly knows a cure for that other than repentance.
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind… (Romans 12.2)
And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. (2 Corinthians 3.18, ESV)
Amen, I want a salad bar not a fixed menu…
Appreciate your honesty, Tom, and your efforts to overcome that mindset…
The fear of success can be a powerful emotion and motivator. Or perhaps in this case a de-motivator.
Good observation, Bob. Thanks!
Couple of thoughts crossed my mind as I read this post.
The first time I was presented with a Bible was in the 7th grade. The approach was, we HAD to read it. Being the rebellious child that I was, I balked at that and while I did my lessons, I did not enjoy it.
LOTS of years have passed since then. The Word has become more alive in my life. The course Dan & I took with you (the 5 R’s) certainly enhanced my Bible reading experience.
A few years ago I started reading some of John Ortberg’s books, discussing spending time with God in the morning….he suggested just starting with 5 minutes and maybe that length of time will grow. That was something I knew I could do, I have done it and the length of time has grown.
Now I look forward to my mornings with that quiet meditation and reading time. I am happy to say I enjoy reading the Bible and God does communicate with me through His word.
It’s difficult to know the audience when talking about the time one should spend with God. We’re all so different. In my case, I know my 7th grade personality was far too immature for that broad, stern approach the teacher took. Thankfully, with time I have matured and grown.
WOW! Ouch! Profound!